Treatment of diarrhea using an insoluble homopolymer of vinylpyrrolidone

ABSTRACT

Novel anti-diarrhea and anti-ulcergenic compositions comprising an effective amount of a water-insoluble polymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and a pharmaceutical carrier.

Queuille et a1.

TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA USING AN INSOLUBLE HOMOPOLYMER OF VINYLPYRROLIDONE Inventors: Andre Queuille, Noisey-Le-Sec; Raymond Larde, Coubron, both of France abandoned.

Foreign Application Priority Data June 23, 1967 France .1671 1 1715 US. Cl ..424/80 Int. Cl. ..A6lk 27/00 Field of Search ..424/78, 80; 260/8832 1 Apr. 3, 1973 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,224,941 12/1965 Nash et al ..424/78 2,658,045 11/1953 Schildknecht... .....260/88.3 X 3,336,129 8/1967 Herrett et al. ..424/78 X 3,216,983 1l/1965 Shelanski et al..... ....424/80 X 2,968,592 1/1961 Curtis r ..424/80 3,073,742 l/1963 B012 et al ....424/80 3,105,007 9/1963 Bodkin ..424/8O OTHER PUBLICATIONS I Polyclar At Tech. Bulletin Fo-64-2 General Anicine & Film Corp., 1964 Primary Examiner-Albert T. Meyers Assistant ExaminerLeonard Schenkman Attorney-Hammond & Littell [57] ABSTRACT Novel anti-diarrhea and anti-ulcergenic compositions comprising an effective amount of a water-insoluble polymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and a pharmaceutical carrier.

2 Claims, No Drawings TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA USING AN INSOLUBLE' HOMOIOLYMER OF VINYLPYRROLIDONE PRIOR APPLICATION The present application is a streamlined continuation of our copending application Ser. No. -738,844, filed June 21, 1968, now abandoned.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide novel pharmaceutical compositions containing a water-insoluble polymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone as the active ingredient.

It is a further'object of the invention to provide a novel method of treating diarrhea in humans and warm-blooded animals.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel method of treating external ulcers in humans and warm-blooded animals.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become obvious from the following detailed description.

THE INVENTION The therapeutic compositions of the invention are comprised of an effective amount of at least one waterinsoluble polymer selected from homopolymers of vinylpyrrolidone polymerized in an alkaline medium to form a cross-linked structure and copolymers vinylpyrrolidone and substituted or unsubstituted vinylmonomers and a major amount of a pharmaceutical carrier. The said compositions may be in the form of tablets, capsules, aromatized powders suspension,, sachets and aromatized granules or ointments.

The compositions may also contain other active ingredients such as antibiotics, i. e. framycetin sulfate, paromomycin sulfate, kanamycin sulfate, gentamycin sulfate, neomycin sulfate, etc., or intestinal antiseptics, i. e. -chloro-7-iodo-8-oxyquinoline, benzonaphthol, sulfanilamido-thiazole-formaldehyde hexamethylene tetramine or vitamins, i. e., pyridoxin,- biotin or pyridoxal.

The said therapeutic compositions having interesting pharmacological properties, particularly an important anti-diarrhea activity when orally administered and an anti-ulcer activity when administered externally. They may be used for the treatment of infectious or chronic diarrhea caused by infections such as food poisoning, change of diet or excessive use of laxatives, or by diseases of extra-intestinal origin and in particular diarrhea following treatment with antibiotics. They may also be used by external route, in the form of ointments in particular for the treatment and the cicatrization of the sores caused by varicose ulcers. They do not give rise to secondary complaints such as constipation, which is a phenomenon frequently observed with many anti-diarrhea products. Moreover, they have the advantage 'of being practically non-toxic.

The method of the invention for treating diarrhea in warm-blooded animals comprises orally administering to humans or warm blooded animals a safe but effective amount of at least one water-insoluble polymer selected from homopolymers of vinylpyrrolidone polymerized in an alkaline medium to form a crossful daily dose is 50 to 100 mg/kg when orally ad ministered.

The method of the invention for treating external ulcers of humans or warm-blooded animals comprises applying to external ulcers an effective amount of at least one water-insoluble polymer selected from homopolymers of vinylpyrolidone polymerized in an alkaline medium to form a cross-linked structure and copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and substituted or unsubstituted vinyl monomers.

The water-insoluble polymers may be homopolymers of vinylpyrrolidone with a cross-linked structure or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone with vinyl monomers, substituted or unsubstituted. The preferred polymer is polyvinyl pyrrolidone sold under the mark Polyclar AT which is a light brown solid which is insoluble in water, organic solvents, strong mineralacid and alkalis.

In the following examples, there are described several preferred embodiments to illustrate the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments.

EXAMPLE I Aromatized granules in sachet doses: Grams Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Polyclar AT) 4 Citric acid 0.20 Pluronic F 68 (x) 0.030 Sodium cyclohexylsulfonate 0.024 Sodium saccharinate 0.012 Solid perfumes Liquid perfumes 0.14 Powdered sugar in a sufficient quantity for 20 (x) Pluronic F 68 is a condensation product of ethylene oxide and propylene glycol having a molecular weight of 1,500 to 8,00.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone, citric acid, Pluronic F 68,

synthetic sweeteners, the pulverulent fraction of the perfumes and the sugar were admixed in a dry state. The liquid fraction of the perfumes was dissolved in alcohol and this solution was sprayed onto the powdered mixture. The powder was dried in an oven, passed through a sieve and distributed into sachets containing 10 grams each. 1

The preparation of the complex granules was analogous to that of the above simple granules. The granules were distributed in to sachets containing 10 grams each.

EXAMPLE Ill Aromatized sachets Dose: Grams Polyvinylpyrrolidone 6 Polvaromas Ananas 0.040 Polvaromas Vanilla 0.200 Avicel RC (Microcrystalline cellulose) 0.300 Powdered'sugar 3.460

Polvaromas Ananas and Polvaromas Vanilla are trade names of aromatic fruit concentrates.

The compositions were prepared by mixing the constituents to obtain an aromatized powder in sachets containing grams each.

The preparation of the granules was analogous to that described in Example I and the granules were distributed in sachets containing 5 grams each.

EXAMPLE V Granules (in combination with an antiseptic) Grams Polyvinylpyrrolidone 4 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-oxyquinoline 0.500 Sodium saccharinate 0.016 Sodium cyclohexylsulfonate 0.028 Pluronic F 68 0.180 Citric acid 0.200 Solid perfumes 0.120 Quinoline yellow 0.006 Powdered sugar in sufficient quantity for The preparation of the granules was analogous to that described in Example I and they are distributed in sachets containing 5 grams each.

EXAMPLE VI Ointments Grams Polyvinylpyrrolidone 5 Water 30 I Macaloid gel (x) in sufficient quantity for 40 (x) Macaloid is a magnesium and aluminum hexaflurorsilicate.

The polyvinylpyrrolidone was dispersed in cc of water and the polymer was allowed to swell up suffrciently. Once obtained, the soft paste was dispersed in the Macaloid gel and the rest of the water was added to the ointment was distributed in tubes containing 40 grams each.

PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY A. in vitro Adsorbing activity The adsorbing activity was determined with many dye-stuffs and the Polyclar AT was compared with Malethamer, Gantrez 149 and vegetable charcoal. The indicators used were Acilit (test paper, pH 0.5 to 5), methylene blue and bromophenol blue.

Malethamer is the polymer of maleic anhydride, described in US. Pat. No. 3 224 941 and Gantrez 149 is a copolymer of methylvinylether and mal eic anhydride. I. Effect on Acilit Acilit paper strips were suspended in cc of water and after thirty minutes of contact, there was obtained a blue solution which was admixed with 100 mg of the product to be studied and allowed to stand for four hours. Polyclar AT. formed a dark blue precipitate and the. pH of the solution was 6.5. Malethamer formed a very pale precipitate and the pH of the light green solution was 3.5. "Gantrez 149 formed a viscous mixture and the pH of the medium was 2.5. Consequently, Polyclar AT does not affect the pH, it gives rise to a precipitate and swells up slightly. Malethamer gives rise to a mass which swells up and changes the pH slightly. Gantrez 149 forms a colloidal solution whose pH is very different. 2. Effect on Methylene Blue An aqueous solution of SO'y/cc of methylene blue at different pHs was used. 200 mg of the products to be studied were added to 20 cc of solution of each pH, the solution was stirred for 30 minutes, filtered and the color of the filtrates and of the precipitates and the pH value were noted. The results are summarized in Table I.

TABLE I Products pH Color of the Solution Control 4.8 blue Polyclar AT 5.2 slightly blue Vegetable charcoal 5.2 decolorized Malethamer 4.6 decolorized Gantrez 149 2.5 gel formation Control 7 blue Polyclar AT 6 blue Vegetable charcoal 6 green Malethamer 5 slightly blue Gantrez 149 2.5 gel formation Control 8.4 blue Polyclar AT 7.3 blue Vegetable charcoal 7.5 green Malethamer 5 slightly blue Gantrez 149 2.5 Gel formation 3. Effect on Bromophenol Blue The bromophenol blue was used either as SOy/cc aqueous solution at different pH or in Oxoid No. 2 medium at pH 7.3. The results are shown in Tables II and III.

TABLE II AQUEOUS SOLUTION Products pH Color'of the solution Control 4.8 violet Polyclar AT 5.5 slightly violet Vegetable charcoal 5.5 violet Malethamer 4.5. dar-yellow Gantrez I49 2.5 formation of a colored gel Control 7 violet Polyclar AT 6.5 slightly violet Vegetable charcoal 6.5 violet Malethamer 5 slightly violet Gantrez I49 3 Gel formation Control 8.4 violet Polyclar AT 7.5 slightly violet Vegetable charcoal 7.5 violet Malethamer 5 slightly violet Gantrez 149 2.5 Gel formation Control 12 violet Polyclar AT 12 slightly violet Vegetable charcoal l2 violet Malethamer non- Gel measurable formation Gantrez 149 6.5 dark-violet viscous liquid TABLE III In Oxoid N. 2 Medium at pH 7.3 Products p Color of the solution Control 7.3 violet Polyclar AT 7 slightly violet Vegetable charcoal 7.3 violet Malethamer 4.6 turns purple Gantrez 149 2.5 turns purple Gel fonnation Tables II and III show that Polyclar AT has an important adsorbing action and practically no effect on pH while Malethamer and Gantrez 149 noticeably lower the pH.

B. In Vivo Activity 1. Effect of Polyclar At on the Tied Intestinal Loop of Young Rats Subjected to the Action of a Pathogenic Colibacillus v Rats weighing 80 g were fed only with water for 24 hours before the experiment and were kept on this diet for the following 24 hours. After anesthesia with ether and laparotorny, an intestinal loop was tied over a length of 7cm and the ligatured loop was then injected with 0.5 cc of a culture of Escherichia Coli (strain 65/56 type 0.26 B6, isolated from infantile gastroenteritis) in peptone water at pH 8.4 The animals were given Polyclar AT at doses of mg and mg and 0.5 cc of the pathogenic culture after the mixture was left in contact for two hours, while the controls only received 0.5 cc of culture. The animals were sacriticed 24 hours after injection and the increase in volume of the tied loop (V), the presence of liquid in the loop (L) and the inflammatory reaction (R) (more or less hemorrhagic appearance of the intestine) were determined. The severity of the condition was ascertained subjectively by a rating of 0 to 4+. The results obtained are summarized in table IV.

Legend:

L liquid V effect on the volume of loop R inflammatory reaction TABLE IV No. of the Response to Animal Tests Observations Controls which did not receive L any injection 1 R 2 L R V-H-H- 3 L-H-H- Rigid RH- Abdomen Controls which V-H-H have received 4 LH-H- Rigid 0.5 cc of patho- R-l-H Abdomen genic culture L+H+ Rigid R-H- Abdomen 6 V-H-i- L-H-l- Rigid R++F Abdomen 7 V-l-H- L-H+ Rigid R+-H-i- Abdomen 8 V+ Animals which L+ Soft have received R Abdomen 15 mg of Polyclar AT 0.5 cc of V+ culture L+ Soft R- Abdomen l0 V+ L+ Soft R- Abdomen Animals who received V: 10 mg of Polyclar AT 1 l L: Soft 0.5 cc of culture R- Abdomen v 12 L Soft R Abdomen In the series of animals which received 0.5 cc of pathogenic culture alone, three out of five were dead at the twelfth hour and the other two rats showed a marked prostration state. This experiment shows the favorable action of Polyclar AT, the adsorption of which is accompanied by a swelling phenomenon permitting withdrawal of the soluble toxins. On the other hand, it has been found that the product under investigation has a very marked covering" power. 2. Effect of Polyclar AT on the Tied Intestinal Loop of the Male Rat Weighing 300 g. Subjected to the Action of an Enterotoxic Staphylococcus This test was conducted in the same way as the preceding test with anesthesia being effected by intramuscular injection of sodium ethyl-methyl-butyl barbiturate, Nembutal. A strain of hemolytic enterotoxic Staphylococcus aureus (E 58) was used, which had been isolated from a case of food-poisining and cultured on Oxoid No. 2 medium at pH 7.3. The studied product was added to the culture medium and used either immediately or after a contact of fifteen or ninety minutes and the results were recorded as in the preceding test. The results are shown in Table V.

TABLE V Animals Test Mode No. Weight Results of Use Controls which did 1 300g V not receive any L- injection in the R intestinal loop L.- R 3 330g V L- R Controls which re- 4 290 g V- ceived 0.5 cc of L- the Oxoid No. 2 R- medium L... R- 6 320 g V- L- R Animals which received 7 310 g V- Extempora- 15 mg of Polyclar AT L- neous mixture and 0.5 cc of the R- sterile Oxoid No. 2 medium 8 290g V- L- Same R 9 320g V- Contact L- 1.30 h R.- 10 310g V L- Contact R- l.30 h Animals which received 1 1 360g V-H-H- 0.5 cc of the patho- L-H-H- genie culture alone R-H- l2 330g V+-H+ L-H-H- R-l-H- i3 300 g v++++ L-H+l- R+-H+ Animals which received 14 300g V+ Extemporaneous 15 mg of Pol clar AT L+ Mixture and 0.5 cc 0 R+ pathogenic culture 1 l5 290g v- L- Contact R- 1.30 h l6 310g v- L- Contact R- 1.30 h

Table V shows that Polyclar AT does not exhibit any aggressiveness towards the mucous membrane of the tied intestinal loop.

7 8 3. Effect of Polyclar AT on the Tied lntestinal Loop of the Young Rat, Subjected to the Action of a Proteus 8 Alive very good mzrabzlzs Culture This test was conducted in the same fashion as the 223 two previous tests using a Proteus mirabilis strain, isovim), latedfrom a hemoculture in a patient suffering from 9 Back l extended L-H-H- endocardltis and cultured in an Oxoid No. 2 medium at peritonitis pH 9. The product under investigation was added to Alive very good V+-H- the culture medium and left in contact for 2 hours. The

pearance L+i+ results are shown in Table VI. 10 and vitality R- TABLE VI ll Alive very good V-H- ap- An- Mortal Appearg g UH- imals ality ance of Test mam R No. in 24 animals results Observations 12 Alive very a V H hrs. Before autopsy pearance L-l-l- Controls and g d vitality R 0 g z z the v Table VI shows the good activity of Polyclar AT since 4 animals out of 6 are still living and exhibit a very good general condition. medium Oxoid No. 2 l 8 h back paws L-l-H- Peritonitis extended R-l-H- 2 22 h identical v perimnisis 4. Effect of PolyclanAT on the Tied Intestinal Loop of the Young Rat, Sub ected to the Action of a Candida 3 22 h r l Albicans Culture an m LH+ Male rats weighing about 75 g were subjected to a R+++ Peritonitis semilactic diet for 24 hours before injection and kept on this diet for 24 hours of experiment. After anesthes- 4 22h identical V+++ 1a with ether and laparatomy, an intestinal loop was RH ij: tied over a length of 7 cm. The intestinal loop was then 5 22}, identical 0 injected with 0.5 cc of an 18-hour culture of Candida L-H-lalbicans (strain no. 12, isolated from surgical bile) in RH Sabouraud medium. The animals were given either 0.5 6 Alive V-H-H- cc of culture medium alone, either a mixture of 15 or peritonitis 20 mg of Polyclar AT and 0.5 cc of culture, brought into contact for one hour. The animals were sacrificed gi 24 hours after injection. The test was effected in comf parison with animal charcoal and vegetable charcoal, 20 mg of Polyadministered under the same experimental conditions g fg at doses of 15 and 20 mg. The results are shown in culture 7 22 VH- Table VII.

TABLE v11 Animals Mortality Test No. in 2-1 hours Appearance ol'animals before autopsy results Observations Controls which did n t r c any injection "F212; 1:

v++' 1 It ltis 3 22 Back paws extended {L++ii at on R++ Rigid abdomen. v+++ Pcritonltls 4 :3 d0 L l 't it 1 Aninmlswhlch have reeeived0.5 cc. of pathogenicculturm. 5 Alive... Bad general condition {L+++ lt llg dhd onntf I;++++ 6 Buck paws extended {L+ lorltonltls v 7 22 do {L- l-i R+ leritonitls V+ lorltonltis 8 Alive Normal appearance and vitality L+ Soft abdomen.

R .L V- I I v. V+ lerltonltis :liiiiffiififi ii 9 i. is}??? ffii fifti Pf 9. 3, v we H so v 10 24h L- 1;; Soft abdomen. 1] Alive. Normal appearance and vitality {L+ Pcritonitis R- Soft abdomen. Animals which received 0.5 cc. of culture and 20 mg. ol V++ lolyelarA'luuu 1L 241 {L+ Peritonitis 11+ Solt abdomen. v++ l3 Allvl-. Nornml nlmenl'am'e and vitality... {L+

li- Holt abdomen.

TABLE VII-Continued Animals Mortality T st No. in24hours Appearance of animals before autopsy results Observations V+ 14 22h L+ Peritonitis Animals which received 0.5 cc. of culture and mg. of 3+ I l I animal charcoal V+++ Peritonitis 15 24h Back paws extended II2+++ Rigid abdomen. V+++ Peritonitis 16 24h L+++ Animals which received 0.5 cc. of culture and mg. of animal charcoal R 17 Alivo.. Rather mediocre generaicondition Ifi++ V+++ Peritonitis 18 22h Back paws extended L+++ Animals which received 0.5 cc. of culture and 15 mg. of 11+ vegetable charcoal V++++ PeritOnitiS 20 Alive General conditlon affected L++ Peritonitis Animals which received 0.5 cc. of culture and 20 mg. of

vegetable charcoal Peritonitis 21 20h Back paws extended gi++ Nora-This table shows the good activity of Polyclar A'I, whereas animal charcoal and vegetable charcoal have no effect. The survival of 5. Effect of Polyclar AT on the Tied Intestinal Loop of the Rabbit, Subjected to the Action of a Hemo-litic Enterotoxic Staphilococcus aureus Male rabbits, isolated in an individual cage, were fed only with water for 24 hours and kept on this diet for ,the 24 hour experiment. After anesthesia by intravenous injection of sodium ethyl-methyl-butyl barbiturate, Nembutal and laparotomy, an intestinal loop was tied over a length of 10 to 12 cm. The tied loop was then injected with 1 cc of an 18 hour culture of enterotoxic hemolitic Staphilococcus aureus (strain E 58) in Oxoid No. 2 medium at pH: 7.3. The studied product was admixed with the pathogenic culture and injected immediately thereafter in the intestinal loop at the dose of mg. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after injection. The recording was made as in test No. 1 and in 2 addition, an eventual peritoneal reaction was looked for. The test was effected in comparison with M-alethamer and Gantrez 149." The results are shown in Table VIII.

TABLE VIII Controls without any injection Animals in the ligatured loop No. 1 No. 2 Weight 2.150 kg 2.300 kg Test Results V- V- L- L R- R- Peritoneal Reaction None None Controls which received 1 cc Animals of Oxoid No. 2 medium No. 3 No. 4 Weight 2 100 kg 2.200 kg Test Results V" V- L- L- R- R- Peritoneal Reaction None None Animals which received 30 mg of Polyclar AT Animals and 1 CC of pathogenic culture No. 5 No. 6 Weight 2.050 kg 2.200 kg Test results V- V- L- L- R- R- Pcritoneal reaction None None Animal Malethamer No. 7 Weight 1.850 kg Test results V+ L+ RH Peritoneal reaction Animal Gantrez 149 N0. 8 Weight 1.950 kg Test results V 4 animals out of 6 is noted and it has been found that their vitality was practically normal at the 24th hour.

Peritoneal reaction -H+ Table VIII shows that Polyclar AT is well tolerated by the tied intestinal loop and does not give rise to any irritant action.

On the other hand, the comparison products give rise TABLE IX Animals Mortaitest Peritoneal ity Batches No. Weight in 24 results Reaction hrs. Controls which did not receive any injection 9 2.100 kg alive V- None L R- Controis receiving 1 cc pathogenic culture 2.100 kg 20 h V-H-i- L+++ R+ 11 2.300 kg 21 h V++ L-H- R-H- 12 2.200 kg alive V-H-H- L-H-H- R+ -H+ 13 2.100 kg alive V+++i- L-H-H- R++++ -HH- Polyclar AT 50 mg ice of pathogenic culture 14 2.400 kg 20 h R- 15 2.400 kg alive V- L- R- "Malethamer" 30 mg lcc pathogenic culture 16 2.250 kg 18h 'V-H- L-H- R- Ma1ethamer" 50 mg 1 cc pathogenic culture 17 2 kg 20 h V-H- L+ Ri Gantrez 149 18 2kg alive V-H- 30 mg 1 cc R-H- pathogenic cul- RH reports a distinct attenuation of the stomach burnture 19 L800 kg 19 hr v H mg. On the th day of the treatment, rings of Gantrez 194 tapeworm appear in the stools. 50 mg 1 cc of pathogenic 20 2050 kg alive VH 5 General Tolerance. Good no secondary effects. Y OBSERVATION B Table IX shows that Polyclar AT avoids any Age: 31 Sex: M Diagnosis: Urethra Gonoccus peritoneal reaction, whereas animals treated with (antibiotherapy) Clinical State before Treatment: In Malethamer died in 18 and 20 hours and exhibited an this case the patient, who habitually reported digestive Important Perltoneal feactlonwith Gafltfel 9, th accidents at the same time of undergoing a treatment effect was uneven and hardly comparable to the other i h ibi i and f whom polyclal- AT was Products and Practlcany mefficlent because the Culture prescribed, at the exact same time of an antibiotherapy and the Product form a g for urethra gonococcus. p fi l 1 :5 Two sachets of Polyclar AT per day for 6 days were t g th t d i l l to eratefl at all doses a prescribed. Accompanying treatment: antibiotics. t h l e tl g tg dqtaggressfon Therapeutic result: The antibiotherapy did not cause wr r m j m t f mermore S covermg any secondary reaction. General tolerance: good. Con- P%;' an clusion: very good result.

es 5 OBSERVATION c Polyclar AT was admlnistered at doses of 2 to 3 I sachets containing 2 g of Poiyclar AT per day to dif- A M Dlagnosls: Tonsllhtls ferent patients suffering from intestinal infections and nblotherapy) Chmcal State before Treatment: In thls their case histories are presented in Table X. C386, Polyclar AT was Prescnbed Order to Prevent TABLE X Patient Diagnosis Dosage Results Tolerance.

1 Transverse colitis with outbreak of diarrhea 4 to 3 sachets per day Very good, disappearance of diarrhea in 24 h. and Good.

5 stools per day. Transverse colon sensible to of colic pains. palpation. 2. spasmodic colitis in a patient with dolichosig- 2 sachets per day Very marked improvement after 3 days, dlsap- Do.

moid; pcrmanent abdomen pains for 3 months for 10 days. pearance f h ai ful n Syndrome d with rnappetence, nausea without diarrhea regularization intestinal trans but perturbed intestinal transit. 3 Diarrhea caused by imbalance of the intestinal 2 sachets per day Excellent: cessation of diarrhea 111 48 hr. in spite Do.

microbial flora of a patient treated for 8 days of the continuation of antibiotic treatment. with antibiotics for dental infection (diarrhea refractory to lactic fcrments taken at high doses. 4 Gastrointestinal influenza with vomiting and do Very good result; complete disappearance of the Do.

diarrhea. disturbances on the second day. 5 Chronic colitis with alternating diarrhea and 2 sachets then 3 Incomplete result with 2 sachets. Very good re- Do.

constipation in a beer drinker. Actually in sachets per day. sults with 3 sachets per day; l stool per day, diarrheaic period, painful colon. normal disappearance of the painful syndrome. 6. Diarrhea (2 liquid stools per day) of a convales- 2 sachets per day Excellent. Improvement at the 24th hour. Norcent from ictcrus, which dates back to 3 mal stools on the 2nd day. months. 7 Diarrhea for 5 days after influenza episode, postdo Cessation of diarrhea in 48 h. The improvement prandial stools.' was evident after 24 hr. I Chronic cntero-eolitis following dysentery in an 3 sachets per day Improvement beginning after a certain displacc- Nausea after ancient prisoner of war. Now 3 to 10 stools per for 10 days. nicnt about on the third, 4th day. One stool intake of the ilrst day. No effect of the usual therapeutics. per day at the 8th day of treatment. Excellent sachet.

result for the patient, because the other treatmcnts failed. J. Hiatal hernia known for 3 years. Actually pyrodo Marked effect on pyrosis from the third day. Im- Mi 111M898 after sis 1 to 2 hours after meals and also by night. provcment gets evident with continuation of Intake Of the first treatment. sachets. 0 H... Gastritis showing itself essentially by pyrosis. do F v able cfiect on the gastric burns from the Good- Radlo show a gastritis with big creases of the 48th hour. Improvement after continuation of stomach. the treatment. 11..-... Diarrhea (5 to 6 liquid stools per day) in a 3sachets per day Excellent. Regularization of intestinal transit Do.

chronic colitic. in 36 h. l2- Food poisoning unaffected by usual treatment do Regularization of intestinal ans after 2 day (bismuth, lactic fcrments, coal) 3 liquid stools and disappearance of painful syndrome. per day, abdominal pains. 3 Hiatal hernia, radiologically confirmed and 3 sachets per day Very marked improvement occurring progres- Do.

showing itself by pyrosis, cpigastric swelling. PflJIlS in the night with eructation at about one o'clock in the morning.

for 10 days.

sively about the 4th, 5th day of treatment and increasing from that time.

NOTE-Table X shows that Iolyclar AT exhibits an important antidiarrhcaic activity on diarrhea of different origins and that it has an OBSERVATION A. Age: 49 Sex:

Gastrocolitis.

M Diagnosis:

Clinical State before Treatment: For 2 months, the patient had reported gastralgiae of the type of burns occurring approximately 3 hours after every meal. Furthermore, a diarrhea of 3 liquid fecal evacuations per day existed. A treatment with bismuth had been instituted, but without any result. Polyclar AT was prescribed, 3 sachets per day for 6 days.

Therapeutic result: During these 6 days the patient had only 2 well-shaped bowel movements per day. He

OBSERVATION D Age 23 Sex M Diagnosis Acute colitic episode in certain gastric inflammatory on the basis of a chronical gastritis. Clinical state before treatment This patient suffered from gastralgia occuring exceptionally but at regular times, accompanying regurgitations. Actually it has appeared for two days in form of 7 to 8 bowel movements per day and at the same time he complained about dizziness. Upon palpation, the abdomen was soft with a sensitive zone on the left side. Dosage 2 sachets of Polyclar AT per day for 3 days. Therapeutic result 3 days of treatment with Polycalr AT led to a total disappearance of the gastrointestinal troubles. The patient only complained about dizziness and had a slight fever of 38. lC. No secondary constipation. The treatment with antibiotherapy was continued and lactic ferment added. General tolerance Good tolerance, no secondary effects. Conclusion Good result.

OBSERVATION E Age 28 Sex M Diagnosis Diarrhea of hepatobiliary origin. Clinical state before treatment This patient reported a diarrhea (2 liquid bowel movements per day) and bilious vomiting very frequently (7 to 8 times in the morning). The clinical examination revealed an abdominal sensibility on the right side. Dosage 2 sachets of Polyclar AT for 3 days. Therapeutic result after 24 hours of treatment amelioration was manifest and the disappearance of the troubles on the second day confirmed this excellent result. No secondary constipation has been observed. General tolerance: good. Conclusion: very good result.

OBSERVATION F Age 52 Sex: M. Diagnosis: Common acute enterocolitis. Clinical State before Treatment: This is a case of a neurotonic patient who reported a diarrhea of 3 liquid bowel movements daily accompanied by colics. Dosage: 2 sachets of Polyclar AT per day during 24 hours. Therapeutic result: After 24 hours, the diarrhea and the colics had stopped only by the administration of Polyclar AT. General tolerance: good, no secondary effects. Good acceptability, tasting good. Conclusion: very good result.

OBSERVATION G Age: 55 Sex: M. Diagnosis: Simple Colitis. Clinical State before Treatment: For 8 days, this patient reported a diarrhea accompanied by colic and nausea. The number of bowel movements was 2 to 3 per day. Upon clinical examination, the stomach was soft but swollen and sensitive on the colon passage. The tongue was sabbural. Dosage: 2 sachets of Polyclar AT per day for 4 days. Therapeutic result: After 4 days of treatment, the intestinal rhythm was normal with the disappearance of nausea, colic and diarrhea. The stomach was soft and without pain. General tolerance: good. No secondary efiects. The patient stated that the product had an agreeable taste. Conclusion: good result.

OBSERVATION H Age 43 Sex M Diagnosis: Acute infectious enterocolitis. Clinical state before treatment: This patient suffered from an acute intestinal infection with temperatures up to 39C for 2 days and a diarrhea with 5 to 6 bowel movements per 24 hours. Moreover, a state of 5th day,

asthenia signified by perspiration was observed, a global anorexia. The diarrhea was accompanied by colics. Upon examination, the tongue was sabbural, the stomach was soft but hurt. Dosage: 2 sachets of Polyclar AT for 9 days. Therapeutic result: within 48 hours, the diarrhea and the colics stopped, the fever disappeared and then the stools became normal. No secondary constipation. Tolerance: Good. The medicine was well accepted by the patient who found it pleasant-tasting. Conclusion: very good result.

OBSERVATION I Age 18 Sex F. Diagnosis: Secondary colitis upon a laxative treatment. Clinical state before treatment: This young woman with a chronic constipation (l bowel movement per week) reported a secondary colitis upon a purgation and suffered from colics which were accompanied by diarrhea of 3 bowel movements per day. Dosage: 2 sachets of Polyclar AT per day for 3 days. Therapeutic Result: In spite of taking a laxative within 24 hours, a complete disappearance of the colics and diarrhea were observed. A normalization of the transit and the intestinal fermentations was rapidly established. General tolerance: good. The patient stated that the product had an agreeable taste. Conclusion: very good results.

OBSERVATION J Age 27, sex M. Diagnosis: Digestive troubles due to antibiotherapy. Clinical state before treatment: Treatment by antibiotherapy for a proceeding pyodermitis of both hands. The patient suffered from abdominal pains of the colic type and it was decided to combine Polyclar AT with the antibiotic doses. Dosage: 2 sachets of Polyclar AT per day for five days. Accompanying Treatment: Antibiotherapy. Therapeutic result. On the first day of the treatment, the patient still reported some colics during the evening, but the next morning the abdominal pains had disappeared. On the the amelioration was stable. General Tolerance: Good. The patient stated that the medicine tasted agreeable. Conclusion: very good results.

OBSERVATION K Sex: M Age 42 Diagnosis: l-Iiatal hemia-gastritis. Clinical state before treatment: This patient has a hiatal hernia which had been diagnosed 3 years ago and up to the present time was kept calm by the classical bismuth treatment and antispasmodics. But a revival of the pains remained without response to this treatment and while attending a radiographic treatment the patient was submitted to Polyclar AT. Dose: 3 sachets of Polyclar AT per day for 7 days and then interruption for 25 days. Resumption of the treatment at a dosage of 2 sachets per day for 8 days, then 3 sachets after 5 days. Total duration of the treatment 20 days. Therapeutic result: The sedative action of the Polyclar AT was manifest from the first day of the treatment on and for 7 days the patient had not suffered at all, he even had a glass of wine on the second day of the treatment,

without having any pain. But on the morning of the interruption of the treatment, the pains re-appeared. The radiological examination which were carried out showed a pretty large hiatous region without reflux and the absence of gastroduodenal lesions, anatomically the radiology showed an undeniable amelioration. Therefore, it was necessary to continue the taking of Polyclar AT at a dosage of 2 sachets per day. Approximately one month later an important clinical amelioration existed but the initial dosage of 3 sachets per day was resumed due to the persistence of the slight burns. The vomiting followed the slight pains in the morning and the Polyclar AT then did not suffice to keep down this new thrust of the disease. Then the classical treatment was resumed again. General tolerance: good, no secondary effects. Conclusion: good results.

OBSERVATION L Age 44, Sex M. Diagnosis: Oesoaphogitis of Reflux. Clinical state before treatment: For 3 years, this patient was plagued by an inferior oesaphoganian expansion announcing a megaoesaphogitis and relatively organized cardio spasm (radio-telescopy). In fact, a new painful thrust occurred in the form of nightly pains which lasted for one-fourth hour, occuring once or twice during the night after an abundant meal or after ingestion of mealy food. There were neither belches nor gastric burns. Previously the patient had been treated with bismuth and antispasmodic medicine. It was decided to try Polyclar AT, 2 sachets per day for 19 days. Therapeutic result: After 3 days of treatment the nightly pains disappeared and the evacuation of stomach gases was much easier. The patient digested much faster. It seems that these results were superior to those which were obtained by means of previously administered medicine (bismuth in particular). During the treatment, the patient had not the slightest pain. General tolerance: good; conclusion: good results.

OE SERVATION M Age: 55 Sex M. Diagnosis ULCUS OF THE LIT- TLE CURVATURE GASTRITIS. State before the treatment: This patient who had undergone an operation for a perforated ulcus actually reported an emaciation, insomnia and pains of the type of epigastric burning with sub-costal irradiations on the right side as well as nausea. These pathological phenomena revealed a considerable gastritis. The radiography showed a little ulcerous niche of the angular region of the little curvature of the stomach. Then Polyclar AT was prescribed, together with the recommendation to remain lying on the stomach for one-half hour after every taking of the medicine. Dosage: 3 sachets of Polyclar AT per day for 5 days, then continued for 1 month after an interruption of 8 days followed by 2 sachets per day for 15 days. THERAPEUTIC RESULT: The amelioration had become manifest from the 2d, 3d and the 5th day, that is at the end of the first period of the treatment, the disappearance of the pathological painful phenomena was observed. The only persistent phenomenon, according to the patient was a slight vexation in the hepatic region. When, after the end of these 5 days of treatment, the patient was reexamined, he had put on weight, about 2 kg, and had no insomnia. It is important to state that Polyclar AT had no effect on the pre-existing intestinal rhythm (l bowel movement every two days).

Therefore a treatment requiring 3 sachets of Polyclar AT per day was instituted. Reexamined after 11 days, the patient felt wery well, ate well, and did not have the slightest pain. However, the same slight constipation still existed. 0n the 19th day of the second period of the treatment, the obtained amelioration was stable and the patient ate everything without experiencing the slightest trouble. Even his intestinal rhythm was normalized l bowel movement per day). A radiography after ingestion of barium showed normal passage of the oesophagus. The fasting stomach was emptying from the filling. Normal aspect of the gastric curvatures. The deformed duodenal bulb with irregular outlines, without ulcerous niche, was actually visible. The treatment with Polyclar AT was pursued at a rate of 2 sachets per day and at the end of 15 days before the remarkable stability of this amelioration, the administration of the medicine was completely discontinued. A new series of radiographies were carried out 3 weeks after the interruption of the treatment, which was an occasion to make the following commentary: Normal passage of the esophagus. The stomach no longer contains fasting liquid. It contracts and empties the filling. In vertical position, a little image in spur form, probable scar of an old ulcus, was again found in the angular region. The bulb was irregular without a sign of a niche. General tolerance: good, and very good acceptability of Polyclar AT during the whole treatment. Conclusion: Good results.

OBSERVATION N Age 51 Sex M Diagnosis: Ulcus of the little curvature gastritis. Clinical state before treatment: For several months, this patient had re-experienced abdominal pains in the bend, punctuated by meals, occurring at intervals of about l6, 17 hours in the form of cramps, more or less severe and sometimes with nausea and vomiting. These pains were quieted by ingestion of food. He also reported gastralgiae in the form of burning pain with stomach acidity and regurgitations. In addition, he was plagued by lithiasis and arthritis of the right hip. The radiological cliches of the stomach revealed a little ulcerous spur of the little subangular curvature. It was decided on a therapeutic treatment with Polyclar AT, 3 sachets per day for 12 days, then 4 sachets per day for 19 days, 3 sachets per day for 9 days and 2 sachets per day for 15 days with additional antispasmodic during the two last periods of treatment. Therapeutic result: From the 3rd day of treatment on, a slight amelioration was observed having effect on the stomach acidities which were less vivid. The patient reported that his urines were more abundant and tinted. Then the amelioration became distinctly manifest on the 12th day. The digestions were less painful and the regurgitations less frequent. Moreover, the urine had again become normal. The treatment was continued at a rate of 4 sachets per day. When at the end of approximately 3 weeks, the patient was re-examined, his state was stationary; the burning pain and stomach acidities had almost disappeared, but the pains, more vivid, occurring 4 to 5 hours after the meals, remained. Therefore, it was decided to return to 3 sachets of Polyclar AT and to add an antispasmodic. 9 days later, the patient felt very well, most of the troubles had disappeared, the action of the antispasmodic having reinforced that of POLYCLAR AT. The treatment was continued with 2 sachets per day. After this new period of treatment which was carried out for 15 days, the already obtained amelioration had become manifest in spite of transitory appearance of cramps approximately 2 hours after meals. The over-all therapeutic result can be considered very satisfactory in this particularly difficult case and there were clearer fecal evacuations since the beginning of the treatment. General tolerance: good tolerance of the medicine. The patient stated that his fecal evacuations were clearer since the beginning of the treatment without other modification. Conclusion: good results.

OBSERVATION Age: 53 Sex: M. Diagnosis: Simple Colitis. Clinical State before treatment: Patient came to the office complaining of abdominal pain for 3 days. Upon examination, above all there existed a distinct sensitivity on the colon passage and the tongue'was saburral. The urine and the fecal evacuations were normal. Treatment with Polyclar AT was prescribed, 2 sachets per day for 5 days, then 3 sachets per day for 6 days. Total duration of the treatment: 11 days. Therapeutic result: from the second day of the treatment on, it was evident that a clinical amelioration existed and the pains subsided. Then that state was maintained with some minor mementary colics. General tolerance: good. Conclusion: Good results.

OBSERVATION P Age 17 Sex M Diagnosis: Digestive troubles due to antibiotherapy. Clinical state before treatment: This young man was treated for infectious juvenile acne of the face. Since local treatment did not bring about any amelioration, antibiotics were administered by oral method. But after one week of treatment some colics and the emission of slightly drarrheaic bowel movements made necessary the substitution of lactic ferments'by Polyclar AT, 3 sachets per day for 3 days. Therapeutic Result: Disappearance of digestive troubles within 24 hours and during the duration of the treatment. General tolerance: good, no secondary effect. Conclusion: very good results.

OBSERVATION 0 Age 54, Sex M. Diagnosis: Ulcus of the Bulb Gastritis Clinical state before treatment: This patient examined in the office and treated 4 months ago for an ulcus of the bulb with good results had stopped his treatment for one month and one could actually see the resumption of a clinical tableau causing uneasiness and continuous pains with constipation and some regurgitations, however, no burns. The first radiologic cliches after ingestion of baryta showed a sluggish pyrolic passage rendering opaque an irritable bulb with suspicion of centro-residual image. While waiting for the results of the new cliches, it was decided on a treatment with Polyclar AT, 4 sachets per day for 5 days and then interruption for 15 days. After that, 3 sachets per day for 28 days. Therapeutic result: Reexamined in the office 20 days later, the patient, who had only pursued his treatment for some days, therefore without appreciable results, was again placed on Polyclar AT at a dosage of 3 sachets per day. At this moment, the radiography did not show ulcerous signs. After 8 days, the patient reported the progressive disappearance of his troubles within the first 3 days after the resumption of the treatment. A detail to be stated: the clearer color of the fecal evacuations. After that Polyclar AT was continued for 20 days. During this period, the patient had reported a painful crisis which only lasted for 1 day as a consequence of a great vexation. It was a case of vivid pains with hypersensibility of the epigastric region upon palpation. The patient estimated that the sedative effects of Polyclar AT were superior to those of the classical medicines (bismuth in particular). General tolerance: good, with the emission of clearer fecal evacuations during treatment with POLYCLAR AT. Conclusion: Good results.

Various modifications of the compositions and method of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof, and it is to be understood that the invention is to be limited only as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A method of treating diarrhea in humans or warmblooded animals comprising orally administering to humans or warm-blooded animals an amount effective to control diarrhea therein of a water-insoluble homopolymer of vinylpyrrolidone polymerized in an alkaline medium to form a cross-linked structure, said homopolymer occurring as a solid insoluble in water, organic solvents and strong mineral acids and alkalis.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the effective daily amount is 50 to mg/kg. 

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the effective daily amount is 50 to 100 mg/kg. 